The eternal struggle of running out of battery is finally met with a few reliable saviours. After years of testing more than 100 portable chargers, I’ve whittled down the options to find those that will keep your gadgets going strong.
Most people should stick to one or two power banks from my top four picks, but for niche uses, there are additional options too. For MagSafe/Qi2 compatibility, check our dedicated guide; and for laptop chargers or portable power stations, head over there instead.
The capacity of a power bank matters—measured in mAh—but remember you won’t get the full amount due to inefficiencies. Look out for pass-through charging if you want to top up your power bank while using it, but be cautious as it can lead to overheating. The wattage at which devices charge is important too; Apple’s iPhones support Power Delivery (PD) standards, and some newer models can handle PPS protocol.
When flying with a power bank, make sure it's in your carry-on luggage and doesn’t exceed 100 watt-hours. Always check airline policies before you travel as rules vary between carriers. Cheap options might seem tempting but come with risks; the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 taught us that lithium-ion batteries can pose safety issues despite being generally safe.
